Luxury Chapstick Review: Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm
Once again the time has come to see which luxury chapstick reigns supreme. Today I will be testing and reviewing a cult favorite: Dior's Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm. How will this high-end chapstick compare to the others I've tried? Is it worth the pricepoint? Let's find out.
Like I said in my previous "Luxury Chapstick Review," I'll be keeping up with this column as my personal saga progresses to locate and find the best chapstick available on the market (within reason, obviously).
It's taken me approximately 2 months to completely use Chanel's although I have just enough in the tube to use for comparative research. I have found that there is important data to note after its long-term use, I'll have to remember to update the article.
This time I decided to sample one of the offerings from another maison haute couture, chez Dior. I have high hopes for this one because Dior makes some of my favorite makeup products. I am a writer and an artist so, naturally, I am not a wealthy woman. Luxury makeup is a splurge for a humble bohemian such as myself, yet personal experience has proven that with Dior make-up products, my money is rarely wasted.
Today's Product: Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm in Minty Rose
So today we are in for a slightly special treat. I have been purchasing the high-end chapsticks used for this review series directly from their brand's websites. When considering my purchase I noticed that Dior offered several shades of their Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm not available at other retailers like Sephora. Instead of selecting their traditional clear shade, I went ahead and chose one that was a little different: the Minty Rose.
This shade, which appears a pale green in the tube, is one of those products that appear to be a certain color but actually react to the lips' natural moisture after being applied, shifting from clear into a natural pink hue which will naturally compliment the wearer.
So no, the balm we are trying today will not be completely transparent although to my defence it is not a "colored" balm either. What can I say? I'm attracted to novelty and I haven't seen too much content out there about this product. Minty Rose is a shade which is not widely availible by the other makeup distributers, it's not sold at Sephora or Macys at the time of this article's publication.
First Criterion | Presentation
Of the luxury chapsticks I've sampled, Dior's packaging is by far the least discreet of the luxury chapsticks I have sampled thus far. The folks at Dior surely wanted to make an impression with this product's presentation. This is both a lip balm and a status symbol.
For me, the look of the product is a tad too conspicuous. I live in a town where there are a lot of people struggling. I don't want to be that douchebag who whips out designer chapstick at work or the gym or whatever. Context is everything though, trust me: I enjoy and bask in the glow of little luxuries in private and amongst friends. The pink and silver are perhaps a bit too flirty and feminine for my taste. It's kinda giving spoiled 16-year-old, e-girl, or sugar baby... just my opinion.
There is no noticeable fragrance. For me, that's a great thing. The last chapstick I sampled was extremely floral which I did not like.
For presentation, 1.8/5. I understand that this product was designed with intention. It's just not the look I go for.
Second Criterion | Application
Mmm... this product is THICK. It coats the lips luxuriously, the spread is even too. As you can expect from a shade called Minty Rose, it's a little minty. However, I would say that the minty tingle is quite light, especially compared to Burt's Bees or a lip-plumping product. Although light green in the tube, it instantly transforms to a natural pink on the lips as promised. For me, it is a natural hue that is on the warmer side, almost a coral although it is likely that this will depend on the user. I've seen videos of the product worn by other reviewers and it seemed like for others, the product will produce a cooler pink effect.
Another huge perk is that although I wouldn't say this product was completely scentless, it is also not the least bit perfumy which was one of my main gripes the the Rouge Coco Baume.
For application, I'll give it 4.8/5 stars. I also noticed that swiveling the product up the tube wasn't as smooth as other lip balms. Not a huge deal but for the price point, I just think they can do a touch better.
Third Criterion | Affect and Effect
When choosing one of Dior's Addict Lip Glow Color Reviever Balm shades for my review I was really on the fence about whether to choose Universal Clear or the Minty Rose. I had tried color-changing lip products before and they were quite strong, transforming my lips into bright fuchsia. This was something I definitely did not want. I had seen it tested by other reviewers and none of them were left with hot pink lips although I was hesitant to purchase since I knew this type of product would likely look different depending on the wearer. In short, this was no problem for me. I actually really like the coral hue it brings out in my lips, it's subtle yet adds some needed, gentle color to my face.
The finish of the product is on the glossier side, though not as glossy as the Rouge Coco Baume. Although it's glossier than Fresh's balm which has more of a satin finish.
The product feels deeply hydrating on the lips. I am also extremely happy to report that this product is VERY LASTING. I'm not sure if it provides the 24 hours of hydration as promised on the website but I'd say that it keeps your lips hydrated for much, much, much longer than the Chanel and even longer than, dare I say it, Fresh's.
I found that I forgot to pack it in my purse for work which normally would have annoyed me since I am someone accustomed to re-apply her chapstick on an hourly basis, especially while I was using the Rouge Coco Baume. I found that I did not feel that need for reapplication during my entire 5 hours in office. Wow. Realistically, I can definitely see myself only needing to re-apply this product 2 or 3 times a day at most if I am dehydrated from drinking too much coffee.
When it comes to affect and effect I'm going to give this product a 5/5 stars. Yes, I know.
Final Review
Overall, I score this product 4.8/5 stars. Ladies and gentlemen, mesdames et messieurs, we have a WINNER. I am blown away by the quality of this product.
At the time of article publication, this lip balm is $5 cheaper than Chanel's Rouge Coco Baume and I cannot believe the difference in quality between the two products. This product lasts so, so much longer. I've been listening to a lot of boring Agatha Christie stories to wind down at night and I'd suspect the great Belgian private detective, M. Poirot might deduce that, "since the product has such lasting effects, she'll last longer and thus resources are preserved for a while longer. Mais, but for how long? We shall find out. Do not fret yourselves with such minutia kind friends, count upon me to keep you updated."